There’s a certain joy that fills the kitchen when you whip up a batch of Red Velvet Crinkle Cookies. The vibrant red hue, combined with a comforting cocoa undertone, creates an irresistible treat that’s as delightful to the eye as it is to the palate. One lazy afternoon, I decided to put a spin on the classic cookie, and what emerged was this gem—soft, chewy, and dusted in powdered sugar, these cookies are the perfect indulgence for any occasion.
Imagine sinking your teeth into a cookie that offers a delightful contrast between a slightly crispy outer layer and a wonderfully soft interior. These crinkle cookies are not just visually stunning; their rich flavor and playful texture make them an instant crowd-pleaser. Whether you're hosting a gathering or simply treating yourself after a long day, these cookies are the answer to your sweet cravings without the fuss of complicated baking techniques.
So, grab your mixing bowls and let’s elevate your baking game with this simple yet show-stopping recipe!
Why You'll Love This Red Velvet Crinkle Cookies
- These Red Velvet Crinkle Cookies are incredibly easy to make, requiring just a few simple ingredients and minimal time in the kitchen.
- Their vibrant red color and powdered sugar coating make them visually striking, perfect for special occasions or as a delightful treat to share with friends.
- The rich chocolate flavor combined with a delightful chewy texture makes every bite an enjoyable experience that leaves everyone wanting more.
- With just a quick 30-minute chill time and a baking time of only 10-12 minutes, you can whip up a batch in no time, making them an ideal choice for quick cravings or last-minute gatherings.
Red Velvet Crinkle Cookies Ingredients
• Get ready to bake up a delicious treat!
For the Cookie Base
- All-purpose flour – provides the structure that gives these cookies their chewy texture.
- Unsweetened cocoa powder – adds a rich chocolate flavor to balance the sweetness.
- Baking powder – helps the cookies rise and develop that signature crinkle.
- Salt – enhances all the flavors for a well-rounded taste.
For the Wet Mixture
- Unsalted butter – contributes to the cookies' rich taste and soft texture; make sure it's softened for easy blending.
- Granulated sugar – sweetens the dough and promotes a crispy exterior when baked.
- Large eggs – binds the ingredients together and adds moisture to the mixture.
- Vanilla extract – infuses a warm, aromatic flavor that complements the cocoa beautifully.
- Red gel food coloring – gives your Red Velvet Crinkle Cookies that irresistible red hue; don't skimp on the color!
For the Coating
- Powdered sugar – dust your cookies generously to create a stunning contrast against their red color and add sweetness.
Now that you have all the essential Red Velvet Crinkle Cookies ingredients, let's get baking!
How to Make Red Velvet Crinkle Cookies
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Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C) and line your baking sheets with parchment paper. This creates a non-stick surface for your cookies and helps them bake evenly.
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Whisk together the flour, cocoa powder, baking powder, and salt in a bowl. This dry mixture sets the foundation for a balanced flavor and texture in your cookies.
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Beat the softened butter and granulated sugar in a separate bowl until light and fluffy. This creamy consistency is essential for adding air to your dough, resulting in a delightful chewy texture.
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Incorporate the eggs one at a time, mixing well after each addition. Then, stir in the vanilla extract and red gel food coloring until evenly combined, ensuring a vibrant hue throughout.
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Gradually stir in the dry ingredients with a spatula until just combined. Avoid overmixing, as it can result in tough cookies; the dough should be moist and slightly sticky.
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Chill the dough in the refrigerator for at least 30 minutes. This step helps the flavors meld and makes the dough easier to handle when rolling into balls.
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Scoop tablespoon-sized portions of dough and roll them into 1-inch balls. This size ensures your cookies bake evenly and have that perfect chewy center.
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Coat each ball generously in powdered sugar, ensuring they're fully covered for that signature crinkly look once baked. Place them 2 inches apart on your baking sheets to allow for spreading.
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Bake the cookies for 10–12 minutes, until edges are set but centers remain soft. You want that slight shine on top, signaling they're ready to come out!
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Cool the cookies on the sheet for a few minutes before transferring them to a wire rack. This helps them firm up while still maintaining that delightful softness.
Optional: Dust with an extra sprinkle of powdered sugar before serving for a beautiful presentation.
Exact quantities are listed in the recipe card below.
How to Store and Freeze Red Velvet Crinkle Cookies
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Room Temperature: Store your cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days to keep them soft and fresh.
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Fridge: If you want to prolong the freshness, place the cookies in a sealed container and store them in the fridge for up to 1 week. Just remember to let them sit at room temperature before enjoying!
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Freezer: To freeze the Red Velvet Crinkle Cookies, wrap them individually in plastic wrap and place them in a freezer-safe bag. They can last for up to 3 months.
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Reheating: When you're ready to enjoy your frozen cookies, simply thaw them in the fridge overnight or pop them in the microwave for about 10-15 seconds for that fresh-baked feel!
What to Serve with Red Velvet Crinkle Cookies?
Nothing pairs better with these delightful treats than a few complementary sides and drinks to elevate your dessert experience.
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Rich Vanilla Ice Cream: The creamy, cool texture of vanilla ice cream contrasts beautifully with the warm, chewy cookies, making each bite a blissful indulgence.
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Fresh Berries: A handful of juicy raspberries or strawberries adds a burst of freshness, cutting through the sweetness and enhancing the cookie's rich cocoa flavor.
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Chocolate Milk: This classic drink is always a hit, and its creamy chocolatey goodness marries perfectly with the cookies, making every moment extra special.
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Coffee or Espresso: The deep, bold flavors of coffee resonate with the cocoa in the cookies, offering a comforting pairing for your afternoon treats.
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Cream Cheese Frosting: A dollop of frosting can transform these cookies into a delightful sandwich treat, adding an irresistible tang and extra creaminess.
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Milkshake: A decadent chocolate or strawberry milkshake makes a fun, indulgent companion that is perfect for elevating snack time with the kids.
Enjoy your Red Velvet Crinkle Cookies set against these fantastic pairings, adding joy to each bite and sip!
Make Ahead Options
These Red Velvet Crinkle Cookies are perfect for meal prep enthusiasts! You can prepare the dough up to 24 hours in advance and store it in the refrigerator. Simply follow the steps until the chilling point, then wrap the dough tightly in plastic wrap to prevent it from drying out. When you're ready to bake, scoop and roll the chilled dough into balls, coat them in powdered sugar, and bake as directed. This will ensure your cookies are just as delicious and beautifully crinkled, saving you valuable time on busy days. For an even quicker option, you can also freeze the rolled dough balls for up to 3 months; just bake from frozen, adding a couple of extra minutes to the baking time for scrumptious results!
Red Velvet Crinkle Cookies Variations
Get creative and make these cookies fit your taste and dietary needs!
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Dairy-Free: Substitute the unsalted butter with vegan butter or coconut oil for a delightful plant-based version.
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Gluten-Free: Use a 1:1 gluten-free flour mix in place of all-purpose flour to enjoy these cookies while avoiding gluten.
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Spicy Kick: Add ¼ teaspoon of cayenne pepper to the dough for a surprising twist that brings a bit of heat to the sweet side.
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Chocolate Lovers: Mix in ½ cup of chocolate chips for extra chocolaty goodness, creating pockets of melty indulgence in every bite.
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Nutty Addition: Fold in ½ cup of chopped walnuts or pecans to enhance the texture and add a delightful crunch.
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Citrus Zest: Grate the zest of one orange or lemon into the dough for a refreshing burst of flavor that elevates each cookie beautifully.
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Caramel Drizzle: Once cooled, drizzle melted caramel over the cookies for a rich and sweet finish that will leave everyone wanting more.
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Holiday Twist: Replace the red gel food coloring with green for festive St. Patrick's Day treats or use sprinkles to create a fun, colorful surprise for birthdays!
Let these variations inspire your baking, as every twist promises to create memorable moments and delicious treats!
Chef's Helpful Tips
- When making Red Velvet Crinkle Cookies, ensure your butter is at room temperature for a smooth and fluffy mixture, as this aids in the dough's texture.
- Remember to measure your flour properly, as too much can lead to dry cookies; spoon it into the measuring cup and level it off for accuracy.
- Chilling the dough for at least 30 minutes is crucial; it not only enhances the flavor but also helps the cookies retain their shape while baking.
- Lastly, keep an eye on your cookies in the oven and remove them when the edges are set but the centers still look slightly soft to achieve that perfect chewy texture.
Red Velvet Crinkle Cookies Recipe FAQs
How do I choose the right ripeness of ingredients for my Red Velvet Crinkle Cookies?
Absolutely! For the best results, make sure your butter is softened to room temperature; this allows for a better cream when mixed with sugar. The eggs should also be at room temperature for optimal blending. As for the cocoa powder, check for freshness—any signs of clumping mean it’s time to replace it!
What is the best way to store my Red Velvet Crinkle Cookies?
To keep your cookies soft and fresh, store them in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days. For extended shelf life, you can also refrigerate them in a sealed container for up to 1 week. Just remember to let them return to room temperature before diving back in!
Can I freeze Red Velvet Crinkle Cookies?
Very! To freeze your cookies, wrap each one individually in plastic wrap, then place them in a freezer-safe bag. They can last up to 3 months frozen. Whenever the cookie cravings hit, thaw in the fridge overnight or quickly microwave for 10-15 seconds—you’ll be savoring that freshly baked taste in no time!
What common issues might I face when making these cookies, and how can I fix them?
One common issue is having cookies that spread too much while baking. This can happen if your butter is too warm or if the dough isn’t chilled long enough. To remedy this, ensure your butter is just softened (not melted) and chill the dough for the recommended 30 minutes or even a bit longer. If your cookies are too dry, it likely means there was an over-measure of flour—next time, spoon the flour into your measuring cup instead of scooping!
Are these cookies safe for those with dietary restrictions like allergies or pets?
That’s a great question! These Red Velvet Crinkle Cookies are made with common allergens like eggs and gluten (from the all-purpose flour). If you're baking for someone with allergies, you can substitute with common allergy-friendly alternatives, such as gluten-free flour blends or egg replacements like flaxseed meal mixed with water. For pets, it’s best to avoid giving them any cookies meant for humans, as many ingredients can be harmful.
How can I make these cookies more festive for special occasions?
Absolutely, there are many ways to add a festive touch! You can incorporate holiday-themed sprinkles into the powdered sugar coating, or drizzle white chocolate over baked cookies for added sweetness and flair. Additionally, you could serve them with decorative platters or in holiday-themed wrappers for a charming presentation!
Red Velvet Crinkle Cookies
Ingredients
Equipment
Method
- Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C) and line your baking sheets with parchment paper.
- Whisk together the flour, cocoa powder, baking powder, and salt in a bowl.
- Beat the softened butter and granulated sugar in a separate bowl until light and fluffy.
- Incorporate the eggs one at a time, mixing well after each addition. Then, stir in the vanilla extract and red gel food coloring until evenly combined.
- Gradually stir in the dry ingredients until just combined.
- Chill the dough in the refrigerator for at least 30 minutes.
- Scoop tablespoon-sized portions of dough and roll them into 1-inch balls.
- Coat each ball generously in powdered sugar, ensuring they're fully covered.
- Place the balls 2 inches apart on your baking sheets.
- Bake the cookies for 10–12 minutes, until edges are set but centers remain soft.
- Cool the cookies on the sheet for a few minutes before transferring them to a wire rack.
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